Artists are associated with a profile level. During their career, an artist may remain on one level or bounce back and forth between two. Many factors may determine the level of an artist, such as their design, their personal story, or how extensively they have been exhibited.

Artists are associated with a profile level. During their career, an artist may remain on one level or bounce back and forth between two. Many factors may determine the level of an artist, such as their design, their personal story, or how extensively they have been exhibited.

“The Dreamtime is the mythological representation of what Aboriginal people carry in their minds. The source of life! This knowledge has not just been planted in their minds, it is taught and structured through initiation and ceremony.”- Professor A.P. Elkin, Professor of Anthology, 1920’s-1930’s.

“The Dreamtime is the mythological representation of what Aboriginal people carry in their minds. The source of life! This knowledge has not just been planted in their minds, it is taught and structured through initiation and ceremony.”- Professor A.P. Elkin, Professor of Anthology, 1920’s-1930’s.

Awely Atnwengerrp by Minnie Pwerle

The bold linear pattern of stripes and curves throughout this painting illustrates the awely (women’s ceremonial body paint designs) for the ancestral dreamtime stories of the Anemangkerr (bush melon or tomato). After smearing their bodies with animal fat, the women of Atnwengerrp trace these designs onto their breasts, arms and thighs’, singing as each woman takes her turn to be ‘painted-up’. Their songs relate to the dreamtime stories of ancestral travel, dance and other totemic plants, animals and natural forces. Awely demonstrates respect for the land. In performing these ceremonies they ensure well-being and happiness within their communities.